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- Woodend Winter Arts Festival Kicks Off Tomorrow!
Woodend Winter Arts Festival Kicks Off Tomorrow!
6-9 June, 2025: Get ready for four magical days of music, theatre, film, and ideas.
❄️ Let the Arts Warm Your Soul This Long Weekend in Woodend!
The countdown is on! This Friday, June 6, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival kicks off for its 20th anniversary – and it’s set to be our most unforgettable celebration yet. It’s not too late to join the festivities!
World-Class Performances
From the haunting beauty of Brahms’ sonatas to the vibrant rhythms of Moroccan ensemble Seffarine, and the spellbinding storytelling of Inventi Ensemble’s Cinderella, this year’s music program is a feast for the senses.
Don’t miss two dazzling Handel concertos performed by Accademia Arcadia, led by Davide Monti, featuring Maria Christina Cleary on the harp and the masterful John O’Donnell on organ—an unmissable, world-class musical experience.

Words, Ideas & Inspiration
Join literary legends like Rodney Hall, Margaret Simons, and Judith Brett, and dive into thought-provoking talks on everything from Jane Austen’s legacy to Australia’s energy future.
Get a taste of what’s to come at WWAF with Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen’s fifth great-niece, as she chats with David Astle on ABC Radio Melbourne Evenings about her upcoming talk. Tune in from the 31:30 mark.

Theatre & Film
Don’t miss the absurdist brilliance of Peter Rose’s plays or the cinematic journey of The Great White Whale by Michael Dillon.

Limited Tickets Remain
Tickets are selling fast – secure your spot now and be part of this magical long weekend in the Macedon Ranges. We will have a box office set up at St Ambrose, however we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online ahead of time.
What else is happening?
We’ll also have book signings and author meet-and-greets at the Woodend Community Centre. The ever-popular Scouts Log Cabin Café will be serving hearty soups, toasties, and homemade cakes, while The Gallery Mt Macedon will host a free exhibition and creative workshops at the Woodend Neighbourhood House. The monthly Woodend Farmers’ Market will also be happening on Saturday morning.
Rug Up – It’s Going to Be Cold & Wet!
The forecast is chilly, but the festival will keep you warm with music, conversation, and community. Bring your coats, scarves, and umbrellas – and your winter boots!


The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate here or visit our website for more information on how to donate.